IMMEDIATE RELEASE -Ottawa, ON (April 3, 2017) – A 43-year-old Ottawa man has been convicted of animal cruelty under the Ontario SPCA Act following an investigation into his treatment of two severely emaciated dogs.

Russell Clark, 43, pled guilty on March 22, 2017 in a Provincial Offences Court in Ottawa to failing to provide medical care to his animals. He was convicted and placed on probation for a year. During that time, he is not to have custody of any animal, other than one dog he currently owns. He must also allow the Ontario SPCA to inspect that animal every two months to ensure it is receiving the care it requires.

On November 2, 2016 the Ontario SPCA responded to a call in Ottawa about two dogs in poor condition. When the officer arrived at the residence they discovered a severely emaciated four-year-old female Boxer-cross and a 13-year-old male Boxer-cross, which was also very thin. Both dogs were surrendered to the Ontario SPCA and have since been re-homed.

“Allowing an animal to suffer any kind of distress is inexcusable, especially with the resources and options available in today’s society,” says Lynn Michaud, Senior Inspector, Ontario SPCA. “If you find yourself in a position where you are unable to properly care for your pets, contact your local Ontario SPCA animal centre or humane society to discuss your options, so as to ensure your animals receive the care they require.”

If you witness an animal in distress or suspect animal cruelty, call the Ontario SPCA’s province wide, 24-hour dispatch centre at 310-SPCA immediately.

Since 1919, when Ontario's first Animal Welfare legislation was proclaimed, the Ontario SPCA, with the help of its Communities, has been entrusted to maintain and enforce Animal Welfare legislation. The Act provides Ontario SPCA Agents and Inspectors with police powers to do so.